Senior Design for Manufacture Engineer

🔒 Confidential Employer

Posted 25 March 2026

LOCATION

Fareham

TYPE

Full-time

LEVEL

Mid-Senior level

SKILLS

DFM principles CAD software SolidWorks Mechanical Engineering Manufacturing Engineering Engineering drawings BOM definition

FULL DESCRIPTION

We’re looking for an experienced Manufacturing/DFM Engineer to join our team in further developing our advanced logistics UAS. This is a role within the Design Team that will lead the transition of new designs into production, while applying DFM/DFA principles throughout the design process. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable in a design and manufacturing engineering environment — someone who can move designs from CAD to cost-effective, scalable production, while collaborating with relevant stakeholders.

You will play a critical role in shaping products that are not only flight-ready, but factory-ready. This role is vital to our mission of creating a low cost, efficient, and robust UAS for logistics applications.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the transition of new designs into production, being the main interface of the design team to internal and external manufacturing.
Contribute to the mechanical design of structural and subsystem components using CAE/CAD (SolidWorks) or by guiding other Design Engineers.
Define workflows and processes towards ensuring quality manufacturing data is maintained and good configuration management practices are followed.

Manufacturing Optimization:

Apply DFM/DFA principles to refine designs, simplify assemblies, and minimize part count.
Identify and drive cost-saving initiatives through design, material and process improvements.

Prototype and Production Support:

Create and maintain manufacturing documentation, including technical drawings, work instructions, and BOMs.
Support prototype builds and production runs, troubleshooting issues and implementing design refinements.

Supplier and Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Work directly with external manufacturing partners and internal teams (manufacturing, supply chain, quality) to ensure production readiness.
Work with internal teams to further develop/adopt quality management processes.

Continuous Improvement:

Champion continuous improvement in design and manufacturing processes targeted at reducing cost, improving quality, and increasing manufacturing capacity.
Stay up to date with latest manufacturing methods suited to the near and long-term business needs.

Qualifications

Background: Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
Experience: 5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or similar role, applying DFM principles in aerospace, UAV, automotive or relevant sector.
Demonstrated ability to balance technical design with cost-effective production practices.
A proactive, hands-on approach with excellent problem-solving and collaboration skills.
Experience in configuration management of complex systems desirable
Working experience of moving new designs from the CAD detail design stage, through detailed assembly drawings, BoMs and build instructions to manufacturing.
Comfortable working across design, prototyping, and production environments
Able to balance engineering decisions with real-world cost and production constraints

Skills

Generation of engineering assembly drawings, build instructions, BoM definition
Proficiency in CAD software, preferably SolidWorks and PDM
Good understanding of assembly and manufacturing processes: CNC, sheet metal, composites, etc., preferably as applied to lightweight structures

Mindset & Attributes

Proven problem-solving ability with a track record of delivering under pressure.
Strong communication, documentation, and collaboration skills.
A self-starter with an inquiring mindset
Willing to work in the defence sector and undergo background/security checks as required.
Right to work within the UK